St. Louis Live Music Venues

Get Out and Hear What We’re Talkin’ About

With St. Louis’ exciting, thriving, diverse local music scene, there’s always something to hear in St. Louis Live Music Venues when you’re here.

Whether you’re in St. Louis for a meeting, a convention, or a weekend of fun, or because the metro area includes your home address, in any given week there are up to 300 opportunities to hear rock, jazz, blues, rap, classical, alt rock, roots rock, Irish, Americana, gypsy jazz, swing, punk … it’s all found here in St. Louis Live Music Venues. The town has an amazing collection of bands and musicians building on a long history of fostering musicians from Scott Joplin to Miles Davis, from Chuck Berry to Pokey LaFarge. But the swing don’t mean a thing if musicians don’t have a place to play. Luckily, there’s an array of concert halls, clubs, bars, lounges, and restaurants that welcome a variety of tune pluckers. It’s varied, so when you have the urge to step out and hear some music (and we hope you have that urge tonight), survey this list for some of the best St. Louis Live Music Venues. Dancin’ shoes optional.

St. Louis Live Music Venues

1860 SaloonGenre: Blues
Neighborhood: Soulard1860saloon.com
With its vintage bar and wood floors, this downtown saloon boasts blues in all its varieties seven days a week – and a total of five acts on the weekend starting at 2 p.m. You might hear soulful solo delta blues some afternoon, and then Stevie Ray Vaughn–inspired rock blues blasting into the wee hours.

Atomic CowboyGenre: Roots, Americana, Alt Rock, Folk Rock, Rock
Neighborhood: The Grovewww.atomiccowboystl.comThis fun club has a concert venue component called Bootleg as well as an outdoor venue, and most events are ticketed, though tickets are generally $5 to $10, and getting in at the door is usually easy. While the restaurant and bar are open all day doors for the performance venues open by 8 with the bands going on around 9. Worth taking a chance on anytime they have a band you’re not familiar with.

BB’s Jazz Blues & SoupsGenre: Blues and Jazz
Neighborhood: Downtownbbsjazzbluessoups.comThe name says it all, though it leans more on the blues. Yes, this one-time house of ill repute is now an award-winning home to some of the hottest acts in the country as they come through (usually via Route 66). It boasts being “part music club, part museum,” and you can get lost in music history by looking at the poster-covered walls. They typically have up to 11 acts playing seven days a week. Typical cover is $10.

Beale on BroadwayGenre: Blues, Soul, R&B, Roots/Rockabilly
Neighborhood: Downtownbealeonbroadway.com
This local treasure is a house that is always rockin’ with great local and national acts seven days a week until 3 a.m. This is no “dingy hole in the wall” – it’s a classic venue, intimate and warm and host to excellent bands. On most Tuesdays and Thursdays you’ll find St. Louis’ Grand Lady, Kim Massie, soulfully singing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. You get into most shows for $7, and rarely more than $10 – but for especially hot acts, it can cost up to $25.

Blueberry HillGenre: Rock, R&B, Rockabilly
Neighborhood: The Loopblueberryhill.comStep down the stairs of this favorite restaurant to the 340-capacity Duck Room and treat yourself to some amazing music. Heck, hometown hero Chuck Berry has duckwalked across this stage over 200 times. Name acts, both past and up-and-coming ones, get their thrill playing at Blueberry Hill. Most events are ticketed, with shows costing between $10 and $25, and buying at the door is usually easily done.

Blues City DeliGenre: Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass
Neighborhood: Benton Parkwww.bluescitydeli.com
This happenin’, hip deli has music almost every Thursday night starting at 6 p.m. and Saturday starting at 1 p.m. It’s small and gets packed quickly (though you can still hear the tunes from the outside patio, weather permitting). There is no cover but be encouraged to throw something in the tip jar.

Bottleneck Blues BarGenre: Blues, Rock, Country
Neighborhood: St. Charlesbottleneckbluesbar.com
Found inside the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles (a 25-minute drive from downtown), the eclectic big club with a lively dance floor serves up blues on Friday and rock on Saturday (occasionally country on Thursday). Covers tend to mostly be $5, sometimes up to $15, and occasionally there are ticketed events.

Broadway Oyster BarGenre: Blues, Rock, Reggae, Cajun, R&B, Soul, Funk, Bluegrass
Neighborhood: Downtownbroadwayoysterbar.com
An institution for nearly 40 years, this 1840s-era building is party central. They offer live music twice a day every day of the week except on Friday, which features one main act. The music typically goes until 2 a.m., and they book hot bands out of New Orleans. The music is usually free, though sometimes there is a modest cover, usually under $8.

CJ Mugg’sGenre: R&B, Rock, Blues, Bluegrass
Neighborhood: Webster Groveswww.cjmuggs.com/webster
Starting at 9 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, cover bands play this friendly bar and grill. Located in Old Webster Groves, it’s easy to get to with plenty of parking, and never a cover. (Note: the Clayton location doesn’t have live music). While the place usually rocks, is not so loud that you can’t carry on a conversation.

The Dark RoomGenre: Jazz, New Music, Soul & Beats
Neighborhood: Grand Centerwww.thedarkroomstl.comThis classic wine bar overlooking the heart of Grand Center offers live Jazz five nights a week with jazz trios every Saturday night from 7 to 10. Then there’s “Late Night Grooves” from Mo Egeston from 10 to midnight that features keys and beats and special guests. This is a classy, warm place to hear music.

Evangeline’s Bistro & Music HouseGenre: Jazz, Swing, Americana, RootsNeighborhood: Central West Endwww.evangelinesstl.com
Every Friday and Saturday night starting at 7, a wonderful, offbeat, often retro group of amazing musicians takes the stage at this beloved bistro. Tables tend to fill up fast, and the dining and music listening is worth a reservation. If you don’t want to eat, hang out at the bar and listen. On Sundays from 11 to 3 there’s swing music with brunch. Never a cover.

The Fabulous FoxGenre: National Touring Acts
Neighborhood: Grand Centerwww.fabulousfox.com
This stunningly restored 1929 grand theater started out as a movie house, and today hosts mostly touring Broadway shows and dance. But when they do have live music, it’s for those at the very top of their game. It’s a beautiful place to listen, and makes for an extremely classy evening. All music events are ticketed, usually in the $30–$80 range – not counting the luxury boxes.

Fox Sports Midwest Live
Genre: Rock, Pop, Dance, Cover Bands
Neighborhood: Downtownwww.stlballparkvillage.comFrom May through July, most weekend nights including Sunday, there’s a delightful concert series outside the stadium hosted by this sports bar in Ballpark Village.

Hammerstone’sGenre: Blues
Neighborhood: Soulardhammerstones.netSeven nights a week and Saturday and Sunday afternoons at Hammerstone’s are filled with various styles of the blues. On Monday and Tuesday the tunes start at 7; Wednesday and Thursday, they start at 8; and on the weekend they start at 9 and go until 1. There’s a good mix of local and regional talent. Check out the Friday Honky Tonk Happy Hour that goes from 4 to 7 p.m. Most times and bands have no covers, but weekend night shows that start later usually charge under $5.

The Heavy AnchorGenre: Original Rock, Punk, Alt Rock, Grunge, Folk Rock
Neighborhood: South Citytheheavyanchor.com
Proud to call itself a “dive bar,” this locally loved place has live music Thursday through Saturday. The bar is separate from the music room, and cover tends to be $5 to $10. Catch the very best of the up-and-coming bands from the region.

Helen Fitzgerald’sGenre: Rock, Dance, Tribute Bands, Cover Bands
Neighborhood: South Countywww.helenfitzgeralds.com
Helen’s is a big, popular sports bar that hosts the area’s best live cover bands Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The bands take the stage at 9 and play until 1, and there’s rarely a cover. There’s plenty of room to dance, and they usually have a DJ spinning between sets so the music doesn’t stop. You can reserve a table, too.

Hollywood Casino AmphitheatreGenre: National Touring Acts
Neighborhood: West Countythehollywoodcasinoamphitheatre.com
This big outdoor event venue hosts the biggest touring acts in the spring, summer, and fall and is one of the premiere St. Louis live music venues . It seats 7,000, and then there’s a lawn where another 13,000 can lay their blankets under the stars and listen to the music. These are all ticketed events, with tickets north of $30.

Howl at the MoonGenre: Rock, Pop, Country
Neighborhood: Downtownhowlatthemoon.comFrom Wednesday through Saturday, this popular dueling-piano bar hosts a flow of amazingly talented and usually hilarious pianists/singers capable of handling your most outrageous requests. (They don’t list who is playing on a particular night but you can be assured they are amazing.) Doors typically open at 7, though the times can be influenced by Cardinals games. It gets crowded, so consider reserving a table. If there’s a cover, it’s around the $5 mark. You will hear “Sweet Caroline” so be ready with your “ba ba ba’s.”

Jazz at the BistroGenre: Jazz, Blues
Neighborhood: Grand Centerjazzstl.orgThis classy, classic intimate jazz venue is a local treasure, and it draws amazing talent from near and far. Recently remodeled and renovated, it is a “listening room,” meaning chitchat during performances is a no-no. All events are ticketed, typically starting at $20 (though you can usually get in at the door). Two shows a night. Dress up. Adjacent, there’s Nancy’s Jazz Lounge, a casual, no reservations spot that pipes in the concert on a big-screen TV, allowing you to talk and enjoy the music.

Kirkwood Station Brewing Co.
Genre: Rock, Funk, Tribute Bands, Cover Bands
Neighborhood: Kirkwoodwww.kirkwoodstationbrewing.comThis taproom has a nice stage, home to local cover bands almost every Friday and Saturday night. The bands typically take the stage at 9 and play until 1, and cover charges tend to be in the $5 to $10 range. If you randomly stop in one evening, you might hear country or even a band that includes hip hop, but generally this is a rock and roll venue.

McGurk’sGenre: Irish
Location: Soulardwww.mcgurks.com
McGurk’s is a true Irish pub, voted the third best in the country, featuring live music seven nights a week (but it’s always good to check on who and when they are playing). McGurk’s hosts the inspiring Irish players of St. Louis as well as those traveling through. There are often free-wheelin’ jam sessions, too, so you never know if you’ll hear a duo or a group. Bring your penny whistle.

Nathalie’sGenre: Jazz, Singer/Songwriter, FolkNeighborhood: Central West Endwww.nathaliesstl.com
Nathalie’s is an elegant, classy place that mostly features the best local and traveling jazz groups Wednesday through Sunday. On Sundays they have typically have an excellent solo jazz musician playing through brunch from 10 to 2. Never a cover.

The National Blues MuseumGenre: Blues
Neighborhood: Downtownwww.nationalbluesmuseum.orgHaving opened in Spring 2016, the museum has music almost every Saturday early afternoon – cover is typically $5 or free with the $15 admission to the amazing museum (and you want to experience that). Keep your eye on this place, as they will start bringing in national acts on weekend nights.

Off BroadwayGenre: Original Rock, Alt Rock, Roots, Swing, Folk RockNeighborhood: Cherokeeoffbroadwaystl.com
Four to six nights a week, this local treasure opens its doors to the most interesting acts touring today. Events are officially ticketed but usually paying at the door works, and average ticket prices are $10, and never more than $20, which is pretty good for two bands. This place attracts the hipper music lover seeking out the best in new music.

Old Rock HouseGenre: Rock, Folk, Roots, Celtic Rock, Alt Rock, Americana
Neighborhood: Downtownoldrockhouse.com
What a cool place to bring friends and listen to up-and-coming local and national acts., Locals love the intimate and comfortable layout, which is long and narrow – so get there early if you want a seat (doors typically open at 7). Events are ticketed, with local acts costing around $10 and national acts $20 or $25, but you can usually get in at the door.

The PageantGenre: National Touring Acts
Neighborhood: The Loopwww.thepageant.com
This major 2,000-capacity live-music theater hosts a diverse set of acts from the past to the present. It features tiered seating, cabaret tables, a balcony, a VIP lounge, and a big dance floor. It’s ticketed with prices on the low end around $20 and on the high end at $50 or more.

Pop’s Blue MoonGenre: Rock, Alternative, Jam Bands, Hard Rock
Neighborhood: The Hillpopsbluemoon.com
Called “the grand daddy of dive bars” by the locals, this small bar atmosphere takes a “why not” attitude to booking bands both local and touring. Lots of local talent experimenting, and the bands tend to be loud.

Powell HallGenre: Classical and Beyond
Neighborhood: Grand Centerstlsymphony.org
Since its opening in 1925, Powell has been home to the Grammy Award–winning St. Louis Symphony. But in addition to classical offerings, they offer an array of other sonic delights such as symphonic tributes to the likes of Paul McCartney, Harry Potter, and Disney hits. They will bring a movie like The Wizard of Oz to life with their orchestra, and their Christmas special events spotlight everything from the traditional to gospel.

The Ready RoomGenre: Rock, Alt Rock, Bluegrass, Tribute Bands
Neighborhood: The Grovewww.thereadyroom.com
This 750-capacity concert venue is one of the newer places to hear touring artists. Tickets hover in the $10–$25 range. But definitely check the calendar because they book everything from popular 1980s bands (the Psychedelic Furs) to hip new groups (Us the Duo). They usually have multiple bands on the bill, and getting in at the door is rarely an issue.

Schlafly Tap RoomGenre: Rock, Alt Rock, Americana, Folk, Hip Hop
Neighborhood: Downtownschlafly.com/tap-roomThursday through Saturdays, starting at 9 p.m., this brewpub offers a variety of acts from duos to full bands, from local rising stars to offbeat traveling acts. It’s a cordial, laid-back space that rarely charges a cover for the music, and if it does, it’s minimal. If your musical taste leans toward the eclectic and adventurous, by all means stop by.

Schlafly BottleworksGenre: Folk, Alt Rock, Americana, Bluegrass, Country
Neighborhood: Maplewoodschlafly.com/bottleworks
Smaller acts take the intimate stage in the bar or play outside under the tent when the weather is inviting on most Wednesdays through Sundays, with bands gigging on many weekend afternoons. There’s never a cover and it’s always enjoyable –by all means sit in on the open mic/jam sessions often there on Wednesday evenings.

The SheldonGenre: Jazz, Classical, Pop, Americana, Folk, Cabaret
Neighborhood: Grand Centerwww.thesheldon.org
This stunning venue was built in 1912 and is noted by discriminating locals and touring musicians as having near-perfect acoustics (jazz pianist Dave Brubeck always had to play here when he toured). All events are ticketed, but in most cases, those spontaneously showing up at the door can get a good seat. Prices for seats tend to go from $15 to $50.

Sky Music LoungeGenre: Rock, Alt Rock, Tribute Bands
Neighborhood: West Countywww.skymusiclounge.comThis local fixture is dedicated to live music, and the nice stage and comfortable, laid-back club vibe makes it always a good bet. They usually have two acts on Friday and Saturday nights, the first starting at 6:30 and the second at 9:30. The cover tends to be $5 or so.

SqWires Restaurant & AnnexNeighborhood: Lafayette Squarewww.sqwires.comWith its exposed brick and chic restored factory setting, this Lafayette Square neighborhood restaurant features live music in many genres at least four days a week – during dinner and weekend brunch. There is no cover for live music in the restaurant, but be encouraged to throw something in the tip jar. Tables tend to fill up fast, but the food and music is worth a reservation – or feel free to hang out at the bar and listen. SqWires also frequently hosts concerts in its attached Annex, a larger venue space that takes on the same spirit as the restaurant. There is usually a cover for these events – getting into most shows for $5, and rarely more than $10. Concerts at SqWires Annex also offer an appetizer menu, cash bar, and plenty of space for dancing.

Stifel TheatreGenre: National Touring Acts
Neighborhood: Downtownwww.stifeltheatre.com
Recently renovated to bring it back to its 1934 splendor, this is a wonderful place to see touring acts. Every seat in the 3,000-seat house is a good one, though splurge and try to get one of the loge boxes. Ticket prices tend to be $30 to $60.

The Venice CaféGenre: Rock, Tribute Bands, Jazz, Swing, Funk, Soul, Original Rock
Neighborhood: Benton Parkwww.thevenicecafe.com
A crazy, fun mix of live music six nights a week (closed Sunday), you’ll hear everything from original rock to 1940s swing here. Friday and Saturdays usually offer two bands. One local describes this place as “funkadelic,” for what that’s worth. No cover on Mondays (open mic) and Tuesdays (blues), otherwise it usually hovers between the $5 to $10 mark.

The Way Out ClubGenre: Punk, Alt Rock, Indie Rock, Urban
Neighborhood: South Citywww.facebook.com/The-Way-Out-Club
This place is a trip to visit, as it embraces heavy hipster nostalgia with B-movie posters and features random art and a general ironic diner vibe. A big stage with a separate bar area, its covers tend to be under $10. There are often two bands or more on the bill on Saturdays starting at 8 (read: 9), and the calendar varies though there’s always music on Saturday.